The IAF, currently, has about 100 mediumlift AN-32 aircraft and around 20 heavylift IL-76 aircraft. C-17s are considered as a replacement for the Russian-made IL-76s.
Left with an aging transport aircraft fleet, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has shortlisted the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III as the main contender for its new heavylift transport aircraft bids.
The aircraft was on the top in the tenders after IAF carried out a thorough study on its capability to take-off and land on short runways with heavy loads, IAF sources said here on Monday.
Initially, IAF would go in for 10 C-17s through the US government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. "The Defence Ministry is at present considering the proposal. If accepted, the aircraft should be inducted in about three years after signing of a contract," the sources said.
In fact, most of IAF's transport aircraft were acquired in the 1980s and the air force is keen to acquire new generation aircraft to replace and augment its fleet.
The IAF, currently, has about 100 mediumlift AN-32 aircraft and around 20 heavylift IL-76 aircraft. C-17s are considered as a replacement for the Russian-made IL-76s.
While an IL-76, with a six-member crew, can carry a cargo of 45 tonnes, the C-17, powered by four Pratt & Whitney F-117-PW-100 turbofan engines, can carry 70 tonnes and has a three-member crew, industry sources said. It can also carry two observers on board whenever necessary.
In fact, the C-17 is quite a massive aircraft -- it is 174-feet long and 55-feet high with a 170-feet wingspan. But it can be flown by a pilot with a simple joystick, which can be lifesaving in a battle zone given its quick take-off capability at steep angles.
The aircraft, which has midair refuelling capability, has been the mainstay of the US forces for deployment overseas and is the lifeline of US and NATO troops deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq, industry sources said.
It can also carry large equipment, including tanks and supplies apart from troops, directly to small airfields in harsh terrain anywhere in the world day or night, they added.
India has been having problems relating to spares and supplies for the Soviet-origin aircraft, IL-76s and AN-32s. It is at present in the process of finalising a deal with Ukraine for upgrading the 20-tonne AN-32s.
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